Local Craft Brewery Pours Up a Glass to Business Resiliency and Success

Mastry’s Brewing Co. of Pinellas County

Nestled in the vibrant coastal community of St. Pete Beach, Matthew Dahm has crafted a remarkable journey as the owner of Mastry’s Brewing Co., the first and only craft brewery in the area. As of this year, Mastry’s has also made history by becoming the first craft distillery in St. Pete Beach, offering locals and visitors alike a unique blend of handcrafted beers and spirits.

“I’ve always said I’ve been a bit of a jack of all trades and this right here -the craft beer industry – is what allowed me to really represent that and to feel ultimately fulfilled in my professional career,” Dahm said.

Seeking guidance, they turned to the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) and business consultant Debra Schweikowsky for support. Together, they tackled business planning, and development, while also connecting with lenders to secure crucial funding.

“They [Florida SBDC at PCED] helped me Identify the questions that I didn’t know to ask and line me up with the resources to really set us up for success on those next steps that we’re taking with our business development,” he said.

Since partnering with the Florida SBDC at PCED, Mastry’s has seen remarkable growth, cementing its reputation as a cornerstone of the St. Pete Beach community.

This entrepreneurial milestone wasn’t achieved without its challenges. From starting the business back in 2015 to navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic and weathering the impacts of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, Dahm’s business has demonstrated resiliency at every turn. “The biggest thing I can really speak to when I share that is resiliency as well as professional stamina – the amount of proacting and reacting that we have had as a small business and from that, starting with beer, here we are today, just launched Mastry’s Craft Spirits,” Dahm said.

“Because of the networking capabilities that the SBDC has, to put you in contact with not only people within their own team but resources outside of their team, it’s really helped to complete the full circle,” Dahm added.

Looking ahead, Dahm plans to continue leveraging the Florida SBDC’s resources to navigate future growth and challenges. “As far as I can see for the future of Mastry’s, the SBDC is on Team Mastry’s, Mastry’s is on Team SBDC, and anything new coming along the line, we know that they are gonna be right there with us and we are definitely gonna be calling upon them any and every new opportunity that comes our way,” he said.

The business owner is also looking forward to reaching a new goal for his business and tells us that that Florida SBDC at PCED will be brought on the journey. “We have a brand-new site that we’re developing in the city of Pinellas Park. It is an acre and a half site. We’re focused on building 40,000 square feet of space that’s going to occupy a hundred plus employees and really help bring so much to the community and the city of Pinellas Park,” Dahm said.

“Then again, with the backbone support of the SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development, I really just can’t speak enough on how much support that has been through this. The SBDC and the City of Pinellas Park have just been a huge component adding to that level of success,” he added.

For other small businesses considering working with the Florida SBDC at PCED, Dahm offered this advice: “Really as entrepreneurs, we love coaching other entrepreneurs. For me, when I get asked where should I start, how do I get this information, I need help, who do I call? I always tell them, ‘Here’s my friend Debra at the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development. She’s a fantastic resource. If she doesn’t know the answer, she’s gonna find you the answer or find somebody who can find you the answer. At the bare minimum you’re gonna be in good hands and put in a great direction,’” Dahm said.